Avo Zoodles

To make these Avo Zoodles I used a spiralizer that was a Christmas present from our daughter last winter. It's a simple kitchen gadget that's easy to use, and quick to clean, that transforms vegetables into raw, vegan, delicious noodles, ready to eat in minutes.

You can find a spiralizer here.

Avo Zoodles

Ingredients:
- 4 medium zucchini

- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped 

- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped

- 1/2 cup sliced black olives

- 1 large, ripe avocado (stem falls off easily when fully ripe)
- 3 large cloves garlic, minced 
- 2 teaspoons lime juice

- 1/4 teaspoon dried basil

- 1 Tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil

- A dash of Himalayan pink sea salt & black pepper to taste 

- Sriracha sauce optional

Directions:
1. Cut the zucchini stems off, then over a medium glass bowl push and twist the zucchini through one end of the spiralizing tool. Repeat for each zucchini, then julienne the leftover nubs afterward, so as to not waste anything.

2.) Add the olives, tomatoes, and cilantro to the bowl and toss together with the zoodles.

3. In a separate smaller bowl, place oil, basil, garlic, lime and diced avocado (with the pit removed) and mash together with a fork until creamy. 

4.) Add the avocado mixture to the zoodles and toss together with a large fork to coat.

5.) Salt and pepper to taste. Add a dash of Sriracha sauce for heat if desired.
     
* Serves 2-4

Carb free, gluten free, paleo, vegetarian, vegan, whatever... This is a delicious way to enjoy pasta without the head-fog often felt after traditional pasta.

If you try this recipe, or have another favorite way to enjoy zoodles, please drop me a note with a link in the comments below.

Also sharing this post here: Healthy Living

Ylang Ylang Sugar Scrub

Homemade sugar scrubs are the perfect gift for Mother’s Day, a friend’s birthday, or even fun to make just for your self! As the coarse sugar exfoliates, the fragrant coconut oil moisturizes, with the gentle scent of Ylang Ylang that creates a therapeutic relaxing effect out of this world. Toss in some green tea for antioxidants and you've got it made.

If you haven't heard of Ylang Ylang oil before, it is derived from star-shaped flowers on the tropical Ylang Ylang tree and has a sweet, rich, spicy fragrance. 

In aromatherapy, Ylang Ylang is used to lessen tension and stress, balance hormones, and promote a positive outlook. Topically, it is known for its nourishing and protective properties in skin care. I also use Ylang Ylang oil for freshening up wax candles that have lost their scent or add a few drops to the hot tub to create a virtual tropical vacation.

Infused with the fragrant aroma of Ylang Ylang oil, this sugar scrub recipe will take you on a tropical aromatherapy escape, that will leave your skin feeling soft and silky smooth all over.

Ingredients:

1 cup granulated sugar

2 green tea bags

1/2 cup coconut oil

10-20 drops Ylang Ylang essential oil 

Directions:

Step 1: Place the sugar in a small mixing bowl. (You can use coarse, raw sugar, but any plain white sugar will do.)

Step 2: Cut & empty the bags of tea bags into the sugar.

Step 3: Add the coconut oil. 

(Depending on the air temperature of your area, you may 

need to warm the oil up in the microwave a little so it becomes soft.) 

Step 4: Add 10-20 drops of Ylang Ylang essential oil,

depending on the strength of aroma you prefer.

Step 5: Mix all of the ingredients together.

Step 6: Store in an airtight glass jar container.

To give as a gift, I used a small, scrap of brown paper bag for the labels and attached it with a piece of double stick tape on the back then, wrapped it with a piece of twine for a natural, homemade feel. It makes for a quick and easy gift!

To apply the sugar scrub just take a small scoop and massage it into any dry, cracked areas such as elbows, fingers, or heels, then rinse with warm water. Rub in any residual oil that remains on the surface of your skin. Enjoy soft, smooth skin ready for sandal weather. 

You can find Ylang Ylang essential oil here.

Smells Amazing and is Totally Edible!

Power Nog

The holidays don't have to be a fitness train wreck. Come enjoy a cup of this protein rich Power Nog without the saturated fat, artificial flavors, added color, corn syrup or preservatives often found in processed eggnog cartons, and maintain your muscle gain throughout the holidays instead.

Ingredients:

1 1/4 cup nonfat milk

1/3 cup liquid egg whites

1/4 cup vanilla protein drink

1/2 tsp cornstarch

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

A dash of nutmeg

Directions:

1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together milk, egg whites, protein drink and cornstarch

2. Stir continually over medium-high heat until hot and bubbly (about 7-10 minutes)

3. Remove from heat and add vanilla 

4. Pour into mugs and froth with an electric whisk

5. Sprinkle with a dash of nutmeg

Makes two servings 

To make this healthy, holiday workout recovery drink, I used Premier Protein from Costco, which comes in a liquid sweetened form, but any brand of vanilla whey protein will do. Just keep in mind that if you use an unsweetened vanilla protein powder you may need to add an additional 1/4 cup milk and sweeten to taste with maple syrup or agave.

Enjoy!